Philippe Lavoie was born in Bathurst, New Brunswick on September 26, 1918.
In 1940 he volunteered to join the Canadian Army and after a few years became a Transport Sergeant. After serving 5 ½ years in Europe he was discharged from the army in 1946.
Philip came to Alberta to visit relatives in 1946 and decided to stay. He bought a quarter section of land (SE2 78-22-W5) and established himself there.
He would work in lumber camps in the winter, which he did for a few years. Besides cultivating the land, Philip drove the school bus for 23 years. He was secretary of the High Prairie School Division local in Girouxville, and was also president for the Bus Driver’s Union for 3 years.
Philip married Theresa Boisvert April 8, 1947 in Girouxville, Ab. They had four children and raised them on their farm.
Philip liked to stay busy. He was president of the Senior Citizen’s Club in Girouxville, as well as Vice President and Service Officer for the local Legion branch.
Philip passed away on February 16, 1997 and is interred at Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes-RC-cemetery in Girouxville, Ab.
Sources: Girouxville-Culp Reflections p. 677